Graffiti
Graffiti might be seen by some as a form of self-expression or art, but when it appears without permission, it often has a negative impact on the communities where it shows up.
Unapproved graffiti — whether it's scribbled tags on buildings, walls, or street signs — can reduce the livability of a neighbourhood by undermining its appearance, safety, and community pride.
Graffiti is any inscription, word, figure, mark or design that is written, marked, etched, drawn or painted on any City-owned or private property. Private property owners and taxpayers, either directly or indirectly, pay for the removal costs associated with graffiti.
Removal
The City will remove graffiti from City-owned property when reported and will work with private property owners to have graffiti removed. Ultimately, the property owner is responsible to keep their property tidy, including keeping it free from graffiti.
All community complaints of graffiti should be reported through the Graffiti Reporting Form for coordination of removal. The process for removal depends on the location and property type.
- City property: The City is responsible for removal of graffiti on City property and all City-owned assets.
- Private property: Property owners are required to keep their property clear of graffiti on fences, buildings structures, driveways and other finished surfaces.
- Third-party property: third parties, such as TransLink and BC Hydro, are responsible for the removal of graffiti from their property and assets.
Prevention
Repeated removal of graffiti can be frustrating and costly. Preventing the placement of graffiti is always preferred.
- Keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour and call the RCMP through 911 if an act of graffiti is in progress.
- Improve the lighting on your property by installing motion sensors to switch on lights along alleyways, backs and sides of business buildings, garages, etc.
- Plant vegetation against a building wall so that vandals are deterred from the area.
- Consider using special paint on surfaces that are susceptible to continued graffiti (for the ease of cleaning).
Remove graffiti in a timely fashion to reduce the likelihood of others placing more in the same location.
Enforcement
Under the Unsightly Premises Bylaw No 3213, 1998 (PDF) property owners are required to keep their property clear of graffiti on fences, buildings structures, driveways and other finished surfaces. Bylaw staff will notify the property owner of their obligation.
How to Report
To report graffiti in the community please use the Graffiti Reporting Tool. For more information please call Bylaw Enforcement at 604-927-3580 or email Bylaw Services.
Learn more about Bylaw Enforcement.
Please notify RCMP immediately if you observe a crime in-progress, including vandalism. Graffiti or posters that are threatening or contain hate speech should also be reported to RCMP.